Exploring Mystery and Horror: The MoonBooks Amazon Writing to Publishing Class Program
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a teacher is leading the MoonBooks Amazon Writing to Publishing Class Program. This class, which I started after writing my book The Moonshot Saga, has been a journey of creativity, exploration, and growth for both my students and me. After we wrapped up our personal short stories, which were crafted using our own memories and experiences as reference points, we decided to switch gears and dive into the thrilling world of mystery and horror writing.
This transition has been nothing short of exciting. Writing in these genres requires a deep understanding of tension, suspense, and the art of the plot twist. To help my students grasp these concepts, we started by reading and analyzing a wide range of mystery and horror short stories. I carefully curated a list of classic tales for us to explore together in class, and so far, we've read and done some deep analysis on The Monkey’s Paw, The Possibility of Evil, and The Hanging Stranger. Each story brought its own unique elements to the table, making our discussions both rich and engaging.
One of the most enjoyable parts of this process has been the opportunity to match the stories we read to the structure of short stories. We spent a lot of time dissecting how these narratives are built—examining the setup, the development of tension, the climaxes, and, of course, those unforgettable twists. It was fascinating to see how different authors approached the genre and how each story could be broken down into its core components.
As a teacher, I had a ton of fun researching and reading all of these short stories before sharing them with my students. I wanted to ensure that each selection would not only challenge them but also inspire their own writing. Through this exploration, we’ve learned about the essential elements of mystery and horror, including the importance of plot twists, the building of suspense, and the nuances that make these genres so compelling.
Now, we’re in the process of writing our own mystery short stories, applying everything we’ve learned from our readings and discussions. The excitement in the class is palpable as students craft their own tales of suspense and intrigue. I’m thrilled to see their creativity in action and can’t wait to read the stories they’re developing.
This journey into mystery and horror has been an incredible experience for all of us. We plan to continue exploring these genres, honing our skills, and pushing the boundaries of our creativity. The MoonBooks Amazon Writing to Publishing Class Program has become a space where students can experiment with new ideas, challenge themselves, and ultimately, become better writers. I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to the stories that will emerge from this adventure.
